Plans for Churchtown craft ale shop are objected by locals

The site of the proposed new bottle shop nd ale house on Manor Road in Churchtown, Southport. Photo by Google Street View

A Churchtown new craft ale shop has applied for a premises licence – inciting objections from a number of concerned residents.

Lee Coates submitted the application for Stocks on Manor Road, Churchtown, in September.

Since the plans were put forward to Sefton Council , locals have voiced their concerns to the planning committee.

One household said: “The premises at 23 Manor Road is in a residential area with no other retail outlets on Manor Road.

“There are already six premises which have a licence to sell alcohol on Botanic Road, which joins Manor Road.”

They also said they believed if the licence is granted, there will be antisocial behaviour on a residential street, causing residents to have a lack of sleep, which in turn would be detrimental to health.

A second objection said the building was too small for a premise of this type, stating that the front of 23 Manor Road “does not appear to be wider than a standard door and window.”

Mr Coates, who has ten years’ experience in the hospitality industry and grew up in Southport , stated in his application: “We aim to sell a variety of high quality bottled beers, cask ales and keg beers for consumption on the premises and for take away.

“Our beers will be sourced from around the globe, received by regular deliveries or through personal pick-up from the surrounding counties.”

Another worry submitted concerns the lack of parking.

One resident stated in his letter: “Given that existing parking is inadequate, another licensed venue will only make the situation worse.”